Overview & Reviews

When the Lincoln LS was first introduced, it was heralded as the domestic answer to the premium midsize sedans from Europe's luxury brands. At the time, the rear-drive LS had the look and the technology to compete with Europe's best in a way few American cars could. Early reviews pegged it as a 10 in terms of fun to drive, and some described it as a car that offered the roominess of a BMW 5 Series at the price of a 3 Series.

The LS had the option of a V6 or V8 and, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive configuration and well-tuned suspension, was reasonably entertaining on a back road. But as good as the LS seemed initially, the car became less appealing over the years as the ranks of newer, more competent and more luxurious entry-luxury sedans grew. With sales slowing, Lincoln discontinued the LS after the 2006 model year.

Though lacking a little in terms of prestige and refinement, the Lincoln LS is still a respectable choice for a used luxury sedan with sporting tendencies. Its pricing is lower than many competing models, and maintenance costs should also be slightly lower than those of some European cars, but don't expect the LS to be as trouble-free as its competitors from Japan.

Most Recent Lincoln LS

A midsize entry-luxury sedan, the Lincoln LS was produced for the 2000-'06 model years. Originally, the LS was available in just two trim levels differentiated by the engine equipped. The Lincoln LS V8 came with a 252-horsepower, 3.9-liter engine that moved the sedan from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard.

The less expensive choice was the LS V6. Its 3.0-liter engine provided just 210 hp but slightly better fuel economy. For this engine, Lincoln initially offered either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Standard features for both cars included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, alloy wheels, foglights and ABS. However, a few upscale items, such as a navigation system, weren't initially offered.

At the time, we found that V8 versions of the Lincoln LS delivered smooth and acceptable acceleration. The ride was comfortable and compliant, and the LS was at its best when being used as a touring sedan rather than an all-out sport sedan. Notably, it was roomy enough to provide comfortable quarters for four adults. The interior materials were lacking in terms of quality, though, and storage space was minimal in the cabin.

Early models had automatic transmission problems, so it might be wise to avoid them on the used market. Even when that issue was addressed by Lincoln, shifts from the automatic were not exactly smooth and many customers still complained. For this reason, we'd advise any prospective LS buyer to do a thorough test-drive before making a purchase.

For 2003, Lincoln did its first major update on its midsize luxury sedan. Output for the V8 was raised to 280 hp, and the V6 added 12 hp for a total of 222. The five-speed manual that was available with the V6 was dropped due to lack of consumer interest.

Other changes that year included retuned steering (resulting in better feel), a retuned suspension (resulting in a slightly softer ride) and improved interior materials and storage. New features were also added, such as a navigation system, side curtain airbags and a THX sound system. To make the most of your used-car dollar, we suggest looking at 2003 or newer LS models.

A few other changes occurred before the Lincoln LS was discontinued. Satellite radio was added as a dealer-installed option for 2004, and Lincoln made additional improvements to the automatic transmission to improve shift quality. For the final year, the V6 version was dropped from the LS lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Review - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By MB1 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and attractive, but with build quality that Ford should be ashamed of. Have owned Lexus in the past and BMW currently, dealer has no clue how to sell or treat the customer base that they are trying to attract. Dealer does not live up to any commitments made during the sales process.

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  DONT BUY AN LINCOLN LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By jen0 - March 14 - 7:17 am

  Worst car I HAVE EVER OWNED - If I got into all the details and probs Id be here ALL DAY. Put it this way, check engine light was on so many times in the 6 years I owned I cant even recall how many times. Check charging alert - replaced the $200 alternator and $130 battery and STILL ON. This car is an ELECTRONIC NIGHTMARE - I wish I had got rid of this MONEY PIT before I found out my rear A-frame was rotted out beyond fixing, wont pass inspection and isnt safe. Oh and lets not forget its 17" tires get CHEWED through like nothing I have ever seen before- cant even find a decent tire with decent tread rating all below 500. OMG I get hives just thinking about that hunk of crap 02 LS V8

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  Vroom - PUTT PUTT -Cough - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Phillie Dee - February 28 - 2:00 am

  European Sedan handling but road noise is too intrusive. Gas mileage is disappointing and one major problem with the Engine, when pushed at a high rpm range for normal passing,the engine breaks up and misses. Ford claimed that its normal, but I did not buy that line of bunk, especially for a performance sedan. The Dealer is arguing with Ford about it now. We have a loaner, but Once fixed and the warranty is close to expiration, this car is history. I will go back to my full size Mercurys which offer much better value in room, comfort and reliability.

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  Unless you make six figures...DONT BUY - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Procks55 - January 26 - 2:16 am

  I bought this when I was in my early twenties before I knew about researching a vehicle, now in my late twenties I know better. I understand vehicles come with some repairs however my list of repairs are ridiculous: Plugs, Coils and Valve cover gaskets replaced on both sides twice, new transmission, new alternator, two bad wheel bearings, bad ball joint, two window regulators (my fault) and my favorite feature is when it is super cold in our MN winters it doesnt like to start very much. What a joke, some of the things listed could pertain to my driving habits but not all of them. All in all unless you are a millionaire forget about it.

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  disappointed - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By JR - November 2 - 12:53 am

  I still like the look of this car and it is fun to drive when it works. Seem to have constant problems with it and nothing is ever inexpensive to fix. Just spent over three weeks going between a mechanic and Ford trying to figure out what was wrong (it would miss while idling). We think it is finally fixed after replacing all the boots and coils. I am not trusting that we wont have more problems soon. Our regular mechanic wont touch it. We tried to sell it and no one wants it even though the interior and exterior is in excellent condition. I thought I was getting a high end, high quality car. I have owned several Fords before. I am now questioning if I want to every buy another Ford.

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  Nice Looks, Poor Quality - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By 2000 LS Owner - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great and has many nice interior features and conveniences. From that perspective, I cant complain. However, I have spent way too much time taking this car to the dealership for repairs. The transmission was replaced at 22K miles. The new one is not much better. 4 Engine coils rusted out and were replaced. The build quality and materials used are definitely sub- standard. There are many rattles and vibrations and noises from the dashboard and the cabin in general. Many of them were fixed only to reappear. The car is an overall dissapointment. Last Lincoln I will buy!

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  Not a bad luxury car. - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Mike Taylor - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Great handling car, lousy center console (cant even find a place to put sunglasses or even a pen). Plastic console construction squeeks terribly. Otherwise, besides the rear window mechanisms falling apart with the windows dropping into the doors (03 Ford has admitted design flaw and warranties window assemblies up to 50k miles). Overall, great car, fun to drive, kind of bland looking, but who cares. Resale value is surprisingly low, which if I was looking for a nice used luxury car, a 00 LS V8 with 50k miles is a steal at $16K.

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  Dont buy one - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin Real - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car used with 27K miles. Have experienced problems with engineoil leakage around gaskets. Both gaskets have been replaced. Power seats both motor failed. Heated element for seat shorted. Front head light both had to be replaced (Condensation). Rear brake light casing fills with water when raining. Door trim on driver door came off. Radio does not work on AM frequency. Catalytic Converter had to be replaced. The car has been in the dealership on 8 occassion my first 7 months with the car. Storage inside vehicle limited at best i.e glove box.

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  Great Ride - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By CXO - January 14 - 5:10 pm

  Great ride, great styling! But, prepare for a VERY expensive car to maintain with NO room in the trunk or glove compartment.

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  Milwaukee Lincoln LS V8 - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Taruntaev - October 16 - 10:00 am

  1. Had a very poorly shifting transmission, I took six months of complaining to the dealer, to the Ford Company directly, and then finally to the Lemon Law process to get the transmission fixed. The transmission works well now. 2. Was plaged by electrical problems that made the Lincoln just quit while driving. Requiring a tow from the Lincoln sponsored service. (It took 2.5 hours to get to me) The dealer finally found "loose ground screws". That appears to have solved the problem. 3. Developed a very bad oil leak from the power steering assembly. the dealer fixed it by replacing a deffective "quick change coupling" 4. Misc. I would feel safer if the Lincoln had other tires that Firestone.